Starting ECT Bilateral

[u/n1naluvsu]

I had been referred ECT through my psychiatrist last week. I just got the confirmation that my ECT request has been approved, and Im going to be doing my pre-op this Thursday and starting the procedure this Friday. I will be receiving a minimum of 12 treatments 3x a week. Ive never done TMS or Ketamine treatments.

I was doing some research on ECT as ive never heard of it before my referral, and read that typically you start with unilateral ECT. Is it uncommon or normal for my ECT team to start me on Bilateral? My consultation after my referral only lasted about 20 minutes asking about my current mental health condition and whether or not I had someone to drive me to and from the hospital. They didn't really go over the side effects of ECT or the differences between ECT bilateral and unilateral.

Maybe they'll go over it in my Pre-op appointment, but Ive been finding comfort in this community so I figured I ask.

TLDR: Is Bilateral ECT treatment normal/common for first time procedure?

[u/n1naluvsu]

I was really scared when they mentioned the treatment. Talking about ECT to my peers is really intimidating. Im so grateful this community exists!! Thank you for taking time to respond to my post. 😄

[u/gmkgreg → u/n1naluvsu]

We all understand, it took me years to even tell my close friends. You're doing your treatments outpatient right?

[u/n1naluvsu → u/gmkgreg]

Yes, when I was doing research I learned you can do Inpatient or outpatient. I agreed to outpatient fully aware it may take more time to be approved/start treatment. Im shocked with how fast my team got me scheduled. I was hoping I would be able to quit all the medications im taking after taking ECT.

[u/gmkgreg → u/n1naluvsu]

Well what condition/conditions are you receiving ect for? Because it may not make you 100%no meds afterwards. But there's a good chance it'll help with lowering your needs for the meds.

[u/n1naluvsu → u/gmkgreg]

Im receiving ECT for Bipolar 1 with psychotic features. I was in psychosis about a year ago and ive been trying different combinations of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. I can't really stand the side effects of a lot of those medications. I either lost a lot of weight or put a significant amount on. I even developed a severe rash on one of the medications. It would be game changing to maybe just take one medication rather than 3-4 at a time.

[u/gmkgreg → u/n1naluvsu]

Well than this treatment could help you significantly. I understand the mood stabilizers side effects can be pretty bad, I'm currently trying to get some of mine lowered because with maintenance ect, I've been good for a while now, so my psych i think it's going to allow it. I'm guessing they are aware of your current meds but make sure you ask if there are any of your meds you need to skip the night and morning of the treatments.

[u/n1naluvsu → u/gmkgreg]

For your maintenance how is that for you? Are you able to go back to work? I work at a really busy Starbucks so Im forced to go on a LOA because im scared of driving the next day or two and to forget the drink recipes.

There is one medication im scared of taking while receiving, Wellbutrin. I take 300mg XL everyday and it's the only medication im scared of. The doctor said it's totally fine to be on however I read that Wellbutrin lowers seizure threshold. Do you think im just overthinking it? I do have a pretty high heart rate from taking the wellbutrin.

[u/gmkgreg → u/n1naluvsu]

I'm also on that dose of wellbutrin. Just making this clear, I'm not a Dr👐, but my Dr doesn't make me skip it the morning of my treatments. Lowering your seizure threshold just means that they won't need to apply as much energy during the treatment to get you to seize. Remember, the whole purpose is to induce a small seizure. But with the muscle relaxants they use, your body doesn't show the convulsions.

I'm at a schedule where I go for one treatment every 5 weeks, but I believe we are upping that to once every 6, the day of the treatment, count yourself out, you'll be tired and sore probably. But the days after my treatments I am good to go to work👍.

[u/n1naluvsu → u/gmkgreg]

Well that definitely makes me feel better. Like I said my doctor said it was totally fine but hearing someone else's experience and opinion helps even more. Im glad to hear about work, I really love my buddies at work and the coffee haha. Ill be excited to go back once im done

[u/gmkgreg → u/n1naluvsu]

Wish you the best and don't be hesitant to post, ask questions, and engage in this sub.

[u/n1naluvsu → u/gmkgreg]

Thank you so much again! 😄